Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Description We are looking for a Payroll & Benefits Specialist to support payroll operations and employee benefits administration for a manufacturing organization in Lockport, Illinois. This position plays a central role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while also helping maintain a smooth and compliant benefits experience. The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, sound knowledge of payroll practices, and the ability to manage sensitive employee data with care and accuracy.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end weekly payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate pay distribution for employees.
• Update and review payroll records related to hiring activity, separations, compensation adjustments, tax elections, garnishments, and benefit deductions.
• Examine timekeeping information before each payroll cycle and resolve inconsistencies to maintain accurate wage payments.
• Investigate payroll variances, answer employee questions, and correct issues related to pay, deductions, and withholdings.
• Produce payroll reports that summarize earnings, deductions, accruals, and labor-related data for internal review and reporting needs.
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities, including audits, reconciliations, and year-end tax document preparation.
• Maintain payroll practices in alignment with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations.
• Oversee benefit administration for programs such as medical, dental, vision, retirement-related offerings, life insurance, disability coverage, and employee leave plans.
• Coordinate benefit enrollment changes, support employee questions regarding coverage, and help ensure accurate deductions and eligibility tracking. Salary-$60,000 - $75,000 Benefits Include Medical, dental, vision, FSA, Life and disability insurance, Leave programs (FMLA, ADA) Requirements
• Experience managing full-cycle payroll in a detail-oriented business environment.
• Working knowledge of multi-state payroll practices and related compliance requirements.
• Background processing payroll for employee populations ranging from approximately 100 to 500 employees.
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS platforms, including ADP Workforce Now or comparable systems.
• Strong understanding of payroll data maintenance, deductions, tax withholdings, and garnishment processing.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and a high level of accuracy.
• Solid problem-solving skills with the ability to reconcile discrepancies and respond effectively to employee inquiries.

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